House of Flying Daggers

This movie is nothing short of a work of art to me. It doesn't matter that there is almost zero story, or that the plot is easily predictable, because the visuals are absolutely perfect. Romance abounds here, but the fight scenes were still the biggest spectacle for me. For example, the one in the bamboo grove is one I won't soon forget. A feast for the eyes with fantastic music. Beautiful colors. 5 stars. (22/09/2011)

After the politically cold Hero, Zhang Yimou focuses on love, feelings, intimacy and poetics along the lines of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Visually and musically, his work is beautiful and emotionally compelling. What is debatable, however, is the theatrical tinge of the dialogue and, mainly, the poor design of the identities of all four characters, in which you lose your bearings after the second plot twist. But the overall impression of the viewer being enthralled by the beauty of the film’s poetry survives. Respectable cinematic relaxation. (02/06/2005)

Eastern romanticism demands a special place in the heart, which I do not possess despite all my efforts and tolerance. House of the Flying Daggers is a technically inconsistent and narratively empty and simple film that will only interest an ordinary, uninterested viewer with its beautiful colours, costumes, and sets. The acting is dull, the emotions are annoyingly forced (the insanely stilted language may have played a role), and there is no final catharsis to speak of. The absence of gravity was somehow halfway there, and that bothered me the most. Some fights are properly intense, but then everything is ruined with poorly executed and absolutely unnecessary acrobatic stunts, tasteless slow-motion shots, and silly visual effects. (10/09/2006)

At first I was scared of this film, but unnecessarily so. Without a doubt, Hollywood fell flat with me because this film showed a whole new, novel visual and technical side that took my breath away throughout the entire runtime. Not only is the film beautiful to watch, but it also features three surprising and unpredictable twists. An impressive experience. 80%. (18/02/2014)

Over half of the running time is a standard developing love story, intertwined with more (withered meadow) or less (the Peony Pavilion) fascinating scenes, as well as a jaw-dropping fight – the Bamboo Forest. However, there are shocking twists, floods of emotions, and above all, a brilliant snowy ending. But this game with the audience is definitely not for everyone. (10/01/2006)